Applications Open for 2026 Marshall+Sterling/USHJA National Championships

Lexington, Ky.—August 20, 2026—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is now accepting applications for the eighth annual Marshall+Sterling/USHJA National Championships, returning to the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, November 9-15. Hosted once again in partnership with Desert International Horse Park, the Championships will bring together top Hunter, Jumper, Equitation, Affiliate, and Outreach competitors from across the country for a week of competition and educational opportunities.

Applications for all Championship sections are available online through September 20, 2026. To be considered for qualification, all entrants must submit an application and the non-refundable $175 application fee by the deadline, including Affiliate section nominees. Following the close of the application period, qualifying lists and entry information will be distributed to eligible competitors.

The rated Championships will showcase more than 25 Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation National Championship titles and award more than $300,000 in prize money. Featured competition includes the $25,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby for Open riders, the $25,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby for Junior/Amateur riders, and the IHSA/USHJA 3’3” Hunter Seat Medal Final - West.

New for 2026, the Championships will introduce a $25,000 USHJA 2’6” Junior/Amateur Hunter Derby, providing an exciting derby opportunity for riders competing in the newly added rated 2’6” Low Adult Amateur Hunter and 2’6” Low Children’s Hunter divisions.

Qualifying requirements vary by section and are primarily based on Zone Horse of the Year points or participation in designated Zone events earned during the qualifying period of December 1, 2025, to August 28, 2026. Members interested in competing should review the eligibility criteria for their desired section and ensure their application is submitted by September 20.

Riders aiming to compete in the IHSA/USHJA 3’3” Hunter Seat Medal Final - West must earn 10 or more points between August 2, 2025, and September 1, 2026, to qualify. Competitors entering only the Medal Final are not required to complete a Championship application and will receive entry instructions directly with their qualifying notification. However, riders planning to compete in additional Championship sections must submit a full application by September 20.

The Affiliate Championships will feature 14 sections spanning Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation, offering opportunities for members nominated by USHJA Affiliate Organizations and Outreach Backstage Pass recipients. Each Affiliate Organization could nominate up to three horse-and-rider combinations per section before nominations closed on August 1. Nominated athletes will receive application instructions and must complete their application by the September 20 deadline.

Outreach members who earn the Outreach Backstage Pass are also eligible to compete in the Affiliate Championships. The Outreach Backstage Pass is awarded to the highest cumulative-pointed Junior or Amateur Outreach rider in each Zone based on points as of August 1. In addition to the opportunity to compete at the Championships, recipients receive priority access to educational opportunities offered. Eligible riders will be notified directly and provided with application instructions.

One of the most unique championship experiences in equestrian sport, the Marshall+Sterling/USHJA National Championships take place entirely within the South Point Hotel, Casino, & Spa's Arena & Equestrian Center. Competition arenas, stabling, exhibitor amenities, and hotel accommodations are all conveniently located under one roof, creating a seamless experience for both horses and riders. Outside the ring, exhibitors can enjoy South Point’s extensive amenities, including restaurants, entertainment, spa services, bowling, and more. Hotel group codes will be shared alongside stall assignments once final entries are submitted.

USHJA extends its thanks to the sponsors who make the Marshall+Sterling/USHJA National Championships possible, including host Desert International Horse Park; Title Sponsor Marshall+Sterling; USHJA Official Sponsors Herm Sprenger, Nutrena, Stridefull, and Parlanti; and USHJA Championship Sponsors Exhibitor’s, SmartEquine, Prize Possessions, RingSide Pro, GumBits, and Essex Classics.

For more information about the Marshall+Sterling/USHJA National Championships, visit ushja.org/NationalChampionships.

Photo: Julie Mercer/USHJA, Terisé Cole/USHJA